Recent reports of the Adelaide office of DLA Phillips Fox moving to an affiliate status have been confirmed by a firm spokesperson, who said that the move had occurred last September. The office was previously financially integrated with the rest of the firm. The spokesperson said that change was a minor structural one which would not result in any alteration to branding, clients or relationships.

Several other firms including Minter Ellison and Gadens similarly operate under a model of distinct partnerships for certain markets. However, the DLA Phillips Fox move in Adelaide is likely to put a dampener on speculation that a full integration between that firm and DLA Piper is imminent.